Unheard-Of Illegal Border Crossings Plummet to Another New Record Low
Impact Score: 2
Timeline: N/A – This article is a news update on border crossing statistics and political commentary, not a directive with an implementation deadline.
Summary: In July 2025, illegal crossings at the southern border dropped to 4,598, a 24% decline from the previous record low and a 92-97% decrease compared to July in the past three years. The Trump Administration’s enforcement efforts have led to nearly 150,000 arrests since taking office, including 50,000 in the last eight weeks. Experts note this aligns with promises to remove violent criminals and enforce tougher border controls. Vanderbilt University may face challenges related to impacts on international students and diversity, requiring enhanced student support and adjusted recruitment strategies.
Key Actions: Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor immigration policy changes; ISSS must prepare to assist affected international students; Law School and Political Science Department should engage in immigration research and advocacy; and opportunities exist for Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies to influence immigration policy.
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